A BATTLE in Weymouth that changed the course of England's history will be remembered this month.

The Crabchurch Conspiracy Weekend, on Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28 commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Weymouth and the preceding Siege of Melcombe in 1645.

People are encouraged to attend the talks and dramatisations and listen to live music from The Dolmen.

The battle occurred during the English Civil War as a result of a royalist plot to overthrow the parliamentarian garrison within Weymouth and Melcombe.

The password plotters used on the first night of their attack was 'Crabchurch'.

Mark Vine, one of the organisers, said: "We've been busy getting sponsorship which is going well. We've also secured Brewers Quay as a base. We're going to have two costumed actors in there during the week leading up to the Crabchurch weekend."

"We've got the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland coming to the talks with Professor Ronald Hutton."

There are three parts to this year's commemorative weekend.

The first part will be held at The Crown Hotel Ballroom on the Saturday when Prof Ronald Hutton will discuss Rupert, the 'Devil Prince' whilst broadcaster John Rees will discuss The Levellers and the English Revolution.

A new addition to this year's fare is the 'Religious Rumble', a difference of opinion between Royalist blusterer Bishop Bray and Preacher Peter Ince, played by Jon Dixon. The evening will be co-hosted and presented by Jane McKell.

Following this event, The Dolmen will be performing from their album 'Crabchurch Conspiracy' at The Belvedere pub from 9.30pm The album was written in tribute to those who fought and fell in Weymouth during February 1645. The concert starts at 9.30pm and ends at 11.30pm. The band will be accompanied by Diane Narraway and Cap’n Steve Howl.

On Sunday, February 28, a costumed re-enactment of the trial and executions of the Crabchurch Conspirators will take place in Hope Square at 10.30am. The free event aims to be a faithful representation of events that occurred at the time. There will be depictions of executions by hanging and parental discretion is advised.

Following this, re-enactors will make their way around town laying wreaths at pertinent locations where losses of life occurred.

Mark said: "It's such an involved situation and there's so much to it. We are just trying to keep it alive."

Tickets for The Twilight Talks at The Crown Hotel cost £10 each, whilst tickets for The Night Show at The Belvedere cost £5 each.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit cc16.co.uk